Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 22

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130

USA > Illinois > Knox County > Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois > Part 22

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tember, 1840, to Elizabeth McPherrin, a sister of his first wife. By this union there were five children : John, James A., Francis M., Drucilla J. and Mary E. Drucilla and Mary are deceased. The former lady was the wife of Peter Collins and resided in the Township at the time of her death. She left four children, as follows: John, Ralph Bessie and Fran- cis B. John and James A. both live in Galesburg Township. Francis W. is married to Clara Thomas and resides in Persifer Township with his father, on the home place.

Mr. Wilson's broad and observant intellect has naturally marked him to be one of the best citizens of this section of country. He is noteworthy for his keen foresight, his untiring energy of purpose and his prompt and active execution. No less is this power and ability shown in his financial prudence. He has engaged largely in stock-raising and has some of the finest thorough-bred animals in the United States. Among them are pure-bred polled Aberdeen or Angus cattle that vary in value all the way from $500 to $2,000 and $3,000. He takes especial pride in this particular breed. His great success is in the depart- ment of extensive stock-raising. His horses are among the finest in the vicinity, and of these he has 50 head on hand. They are the Clydesdale breed, and of which stock he has recently purchased a thorough-bred stallion. For many years he has been interested in this department and is one of the pio- neers in that branch of industry in his county, prob- ably doing more than any other one man to bring up the grade of stock to its present high standard in his neighborhood.

His stables are among the most convenient and neatly arranged buildings in the county. The care and attention shown in his breeding department has won the praise and caused the surprise of many who have hitherto thought themselves experts in at- tention to the wants of high-bred animals. His res- idence is also considered as handsome, commodious and finely located as any in this section of country, and it is with pleasure that we present a view of it, with its delightful surroundings and some of his fine stock in this volume. He has proved that he "Meant to do much for the honor of God and for all man- kind." He is a Director in the schools and was the first School Treasurer in Persifer Township. A most useful man politically, he is found always ready and has never ceased to identify himself with the Demo-

cratic party, whether working for the good of his country or for that organization. He was unfortun- ately deprived of a life companion, his second wife dying on Aug. 15, 1882. She was an excellent and trusted member of the Presbyterian Church. The portraits of Mr. Wilson and wife appear on another page.

ansing J. Dawdy. But a few short years ago the fine productive farms which can now be seen in almost any direction in the county, were wild and uncultivated tracts of prairie land. They have been brought to an ad- vanced condition through the energy and per- severance of men who came here to establish perma- nent homes and who have labored industriously to that end. Yet, not alone to the agriculturist is the advancement and growth of Knox County attrib- utable. The business men-the merchants and the professional men-were alike necessary to developthe county to the magnificent position it occupies to- day in comparison with other counties of the State. As one of Knox County's most honored and respected citizens, and a gentleman who has been identified with its past growth and development as a farmer and merchant, we take pleasure in mentioning the name of Lansing J. Dawdy.

The parents of Mr. Dawdy, Howell and Elizabeth (Ralston) Dawdy, were natives of Kentucky. They were married in that State and continued to reside there until they came to Marshall County, Ill. From the latter county they removed hither in1838, locating in Indian Point Township. There the father followed farming for a livelihood for about five years, when, with his family, he removed to Chestnut Township, and there his good wife, mother of our subject, died in 1845. The father afterward broke up house-keep- ing and concluded to live with his children in Mc- Donough County, Ill., until his demise in 1864. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, named : Alfred R., James H., William R., John A., Margaret M., Lansing J., Joseph M., Andrew J. and Henry C.

Lansing J. Dawdy was born while his parents lived in Marshall County, this State, June 16, 1837, and was about one year of age when his parents came to this county. Having lived here continuously since that time, Mr. Dawdy may be said to have been

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identified with the best interests of Knox County during his life. He spent his early years on a farm, and attended school, alternating the two until 20 years of age. He then spent one season in Kansas, and after returning to this State, entered Abingdon College, and was there engaged in study for about a year.

At the breaking out of the late Civil War, our sub- ject was engaged in the work of a pedagogue, but abandoned the same, and August 1, 1862, enlisted in the 86th Ill. Vol. Inf., and served his country bravely and well for two years and nine months. He enlisted as a private and was promoted to Adjutant of the Regiment. In the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864, he was wounded by a shot through the body, and at the same time taken prisoner. He was confined at Atlanta and during the time made many friends among the enemy. He was about to be taken to the residence of a private family, by consent of the surgeon in charge, and a room and bed was prepared for him in the domicile spoken of, but just as he was on the point of being removed a shell from Sherman's guns came crashing through the house and completely demolished the bed in which he was to lie. He was also confined at Ma- con, Savannah and Charleston and was paroled at the latter place, and came from there to Annapolis, Md., and two weeks later he was sufficiently recov- ered to travel. After convalescing he went to Camp Chase, early in January, 1865, near Columbus, Ohio, and took charge of the paroled forces, and continued there until March, when he was transferred to St. Louis, and from there sent to the Officer's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, where, on the Ist day of May, 1865, he received an honorable discharge. During the time Mr. D. was in the service, he passed through a good many engagements, among the most notewor- thy was Perryville, Ky., Mission Ridge, Sheppard's Run, Buzzard's Roost and that of Kenesaw Moun- tain.

Receiving his discharge from the army, our sub- ject at once returned to his home in this county and again entered upon the peaceful pursuits of life. He engaged as merchant's clerk in a dry-goods store in Maquon village, the firm being D. Housh & Sons, and was in their employ, off and on, for three years. In the fall of 1868, Mr. Dawdy removed to Iowa, where he embarked in the nursery business, and con- tinuing at the same for six years met with signal

success. At the end of this time he disposed of his stock, returned to Maquon and there resided until 1878, in the meanwhile speculating in whatever of- fered him a chance to increase his exchequer. In 1878, he entered the employ of G. D. Crocker at Ma- quon, and had charge of the store which he soon af- terward bought, and which business he conducts at the present time. He carries a good stock of gen- eral merchandise and by fair and honest dealing with his patrons has established a constantly increasing trade. He owns village property at that place and also a farm in Iowa.

Mr. Dawdy was married in Maquon village, Feb. 8, 1866, to Alice E. Huber, daughter of S. A. and Ruth (Barrett) Huber. Her parents were among the pioneers of this county and made their settlement in Haw Creek Township. They are now residents of Maquon, and the children born to them were three in number: Alice E., Catherine and Belle. Mrs. Dawdy was born in Haw Creek Township, Jan. 21, 1849. She and her husband are the parents of three children ; Lansing J., Jr., Callista L. and Emma H.

Mr. Dawdy has been Township Clerk, Assessor, and also a member of the Village Board. Socially, he is a prominent member of the order of Masonry, and likewise belongs to Post 552, G. A. R. Religiously, Mrs. Dawdy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. D. votes with the Demo- cratic party.

M illiam P. Alexander. Prominent among the able men and representative citizens of Knox County may be named the sub- ject of this biographical narrative, a sum- mary of whose life is herein recorded. He is a farmer in Sparta Township and his home- stead is situated on section 31 and is known as one of the most desirable in the neighborhood. His handsome residence, which was erected in 1883, is worthy of notice, and his home has been the field of labor to which he has devoted his heartiest energies.

Mr. Alexander was born in Greene County, Ohio, Nov. 26, 1834, and his parents are Joseph and Mary (Pollock) Alexander, natives of Kentucky aad Nova Scotia. In the year 1809 they came to Ohio, and there continued until 1845, when the father died. A family of six children grew up about them, by

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name as follows: Hosea Y., William P., Mary A., Theodore C., John S. and Cynthia J. The mother of this family still survives and lives at Aledo, Il1. She came to Illinois with her family in 1850, settling in Warren County, from which she moved subse- quently to Mercer County.

Our subject remained under the parental roof un- til he was 16 years of age, and while in Ohio at- tended school. The first day of his commencing school he was thrown into the society of Whitelaw Reid, who is now an editor in New York City and famed throughout the entire country.

After William left home he drove a team of six yoke of oxen for the breaking of prairie land. At this hard labor he continued for five years, and in 1861 rented a farm in Mercer County, Ill., where he remained until 1868. He then moved to Knox County, purchasing the 80 acres of land on which he now lives. This he has cultivated, beautified and adorned until it is indeed a home in the truest sense, and an abiding place "To the stranger within the gates."

In the year 1864 he united his heart and fortune with those of Miss Elizabeth Stuart, a native of West Virginia. Mrs. Alexander was blessed with those qualities that go to make up a true woman, and has proved a devoted and valued companion-"A per- fect woman, nobly planned." They have four living children, by name, Evan, Harrie E., Mary Z. and Floyd E. Mr. Alexander is a Republican in poli- tics, taking great interest in national affairs, and de- votes himself more or less to educational interests, holding the position of School Director in his dis- trict.

Leslie MeGirr, Attorney at Law, Maquon, is the eldest son of the family of Mahlon and Sarah L. (Barbero) McGirr. (See sketch of Mahlon MaGirr and also of Nathan Barbero, deceased.) Our subject was born in Maquon. His early life was spent at home after the usual manner of boys of his period. His father followed the peaceful and independent calling of farming, and young McGirr assisted him in the duties thereof until 1873, when he engaged as a ped- agogue. He taught for the first time in Elba Town- ship. He was classed among the most successful

teachers and we find him engaged as Principal of the school at St. Augustine, and later on he held the same office in a school at Prairie City, McDonough Co., this State. His teaching covered a period of 63 months, not, however, without interruption. Dur- ing this time he also attended school, having in mind the profession which was his choice and which has been his life work. He attended the Abingdon College for three years. While engaged in teaching and attending school, he took up the study of law and studied three years under the supervision of Leander Douglas, of Galesburg, and was duly admit- ted to the Bar, Nov. 13, 1882. In May, the following year, he located at Maquon, where he still remains in the practice of his profession. He is a Notary Public and with a fast increasing business, his pros- pects for studying and gaining a place in his profess- ion is indeed flattering.

Our sul.ject takes an active interest in all the af- fairs of the day, and being of a genial disposition has a host of friends. We find him prominently con- connected with the Masonic Fraternity and also that of the 1. O. O. F.

rs. Ellen Behringer. The lady of this personal narration, is the relict of Mi- chael Behringer, who departed this life Oc- tober. 30, 1870. She is one who has occu- pied a wife's sphere of usefulness, and has known the hardships of a pioneer's life. She came to Galesburg at an early day, and recollects the time, when that now pleasant and populous little city, was sparsely inhabited, and the inconven- iences of which were neither few nor far between. From what was almost a wilderness, she has watched the growth and advancement of a section of country that has veritably " Blossomed as a rose. "

Mr. Behringer was born April 4, 1824, and was a native of Germany. His parents were George and Susan Behringer, who were both natives of Germany. Michael emigrated to America, May 31, 1853, and settled in Chicago. From this point he engaged in railroading, which occupation he followed until his death. His marriage occurred Dec. 8, 1854, with Miss Ellen, daughter of Daniel and Christine (Hut- man) Smith. Her parents were natives of Germany, as was also Mrs. Behringer. They died in Germany,

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

BIRDS-EYE-VIEW FROM TOP OF MOUND LOOKING N.E.

MAY BROS.

4178

VIEW OF RESIDENCE FROM THE SOUTH .

Prince Harry.

Www . Prince Arlie. Vol. 2

Imp. Lena . 3rd (4279)

Imp. Princess Maud ( 5520 )

Baron Balgersho. (1696)

AMOS HALL & SON.BREEDERS OF PURE-BRED POLLED ANGUS CATTLE .

...

---- NORAF.AMOS HAIL TWO MILFS FAST OF ABINGDON .

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the dates of their deaths being 1861 and 1853, re- spectively. In the year that chronicles her mother's death, the daughter came to America, and coming West to Illinois, located in Chicago. In that city she was united in marriage as before mentioned. Follow- ing this event they removed to Galesburg, Knox County, where Mr. Behringer followed his occupation as a railroad man. He had purchased 100 acres of land in Sparta Township, in 1865, on which the widow at present resides.

Mrs. Behringer is the mother of four children liv- ing. by name-George, Daniel, William and Ellen. The home place is still worked by Mrs. Behringer, and she has shown an undaunted spirit of persever- ing energy. She and her family are members of the Lutheran Church of Galesburg, and work heartily and unitedly for the good of their fellowmen.

Mr. Behringer, during his life was a stanch Demo- crat, adhering to the doctrines of that party. He, in addition to his ordinary work, took charge of the re- pairing of cars, and was a man so diligent in business that he won the entire confidence of the community and was respected by all who knew him.

mos Hall. Prominent among the well-to-do and successful farmers, stock-raisers and breeders of Knox County, is the subject of this biographical notice, who resides on section 2, Indian Point Township. Mr. Hall was born in Delaware Courty, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1839. His father was David and his mother Sarah (Sutton) Hall. The father was born in New Jersey, Feb. 8, 1804, and the mother in the same State April 5, 1803, and both are living. They emigrated to this State in 1866, and located in Abingdon, where they are at present residing. The issue of their union was five children : Perry I., Mercer, Rebecca, Amos and Stephen, the latter dying when three years of age. Mr. Hall of this notice, was united in marriage with Miss Mary Platt, Dec. 7, 1865, at Cardington, Morrow Co., Ohio. She was born Aug. 18, 1843, in Delaware County, Ohio, and is the intelligent and accomplished daughter of Alanson and Rachael (White) Platt, na- tives of Clinton County, N. Y., where her father was born, Sept. 7, 1807, and who died in June, 1879, in Wisconsin. The mother of Mrs. Hall was born May 20, 1813, and died in 1848, in Delaware County,

Ohio. Of the children born to the parents of Mrs. Hall there were eight in number and named-Helen, Ruth and Rhoda (twins,) Edward, Charles, Mar- garet, Mary W. and John B.

The household of our subject has been brightened by the birth of four children and saddened by the death of three. The record is as follows: Frank A. was born Sept. 27, 1866; Rosa, Feb. 1, 1872, and died Sept. 1, of that year; Elsie T., born Sept 16, 1873, died Dec. 18, 1878, of diphtheria; John C., born Sept. 8, 1877, died Dec. 30, 1878, with the same disease. They also adopted a little girl in 1885, whom they have named Nellie, her birth having oc- curred Sept. 2, 1883 ; and our subject has likewise taken into his household a boy, by name Charlie Ba- ker, to raise to the age of maturity, and who is the son of a widow of that name.

Mr. Hall, in addition to the raising of the cereals, has, during the past, devoted considerable time to the breeding and raising of stock, his specialty of cattle being Polled-Angus. In 1883, he and his son purchased Baron Balgarshaw, a full-blooded Polled- Angus bull. He was imported by J. J. Rogers, of Cedar Townsbip, in 1880, and was raised from a calf, by Thomas Ferguson, of Kinnochtry Coupar, Scotland. The farm of Mr. Hall is known as the Mound Farm, and consists of 360 acres of land un-J der an advanced state of cultivation. It is said to be the highest tract of elevated ground in Knox County, and he has on the place 15 head of full- blooded Polled-Angus cattle and 50 head of partially blooded Angus cattle. His bull, Balgarshaw, is one of the best breeders in the country and his daughters have sold for $1,000 a piece. His present weight is 2,000 pounds. The father and son, Iso have an- other, Prince Harry, also imported from Scotland. He is but two years old, weighs 1,500 pounds and is a pure-blooded Princess. They had still another ani- mal, Lena, now dead, and for whom they paid, to- gether with her calf, young Lena, No. 1761, $1,200. Again, the Princess Beatrice, No. 1695, purchased at a cost of $1,000; Coota comes next and cost $550. Last, but not least among their fine herd, is Princess Maude, No. 5520; she cost $2,000. Mr. Hall and son have no trouble in finding ready sale for all their blooded calves at high prices, for the reason that the record of purity of blood is clear.

As a farmer and stock-raiser, and a gentleman closely identified with the interests of the community

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in which he resides, in an agricultural as well as a social sense, the subject of this notice is certainly the peer of any. His success in life is the outgrowth of his own individual effort, together with his good judgment and indomitable perseverance.

athan Barbero, deceased, came to Knox County in the fall of 1839, with his wife and three children, from Oneida County, N. Y., and made settlement in the village of Maquon. In 1872, Mr. Barbero left the village and moved to Haw Creek Township, where he was a sturdy tiller of the soil until his demise, which took place Jan. 1, 1885. He was a farmer and engaged quite extensively in agriculural pursuits, and at the date of his death was the proprietor of 1,000 acres of land.

Mr. Barbero was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., April 13, 1805. His life was spent in York State until he came to Illinois, and he was married in Oneida County, the former State, March 1, 1832. to Calista W. Loomis. She was born in Oneida County, N. Y., Aug. 9, 1809, and bore him four children- Anna, M., Sarah L., Nathan H. and John J. Anna M. is the widow of Alexander O. Donason. and resides in Maquon Township. (See sketch ;) Sarah L. is the wife of M. McGirr. (See sketch;) Nathan H. mar- ried Eliza Bird and resides in Haw Creek Township; John J. married Clara Will and is a farmer of Haw Creek Township. Mrs. Barbero was formerly a mem- ber of the Christian Church. Her parents were Jer- emiah E. and Sallie (Higbee) Loomis, he of Irish and Welsh extraction, and she of English ancestry. Mrs. Barbero was the second in order of birth of a family of six children, viz .: Sally, Nathaniel S., Lu- cinda, Lorinda and Celestia. Sally became the wife of John Ennis, who in their turn became the parents of II children, five of whom are now living; Nathan- iel S. married Betsy Ennis, by the union four chil- dren were born to them. He is now deceased ; Lucinda married Leonard Rogers, but is now dead ; Lorinda married Lot Webster, and both are numbered with the departed, and Celestia, who died when young.

Mr. Barbero was the fifth child in order of birth of

a family of nine children, viz .: Margaret, Nellie, Matthais, John, Aaron, Nathan (our subject,) Freder- ick and Rebecca. Margaret became the wife of Abraham Van Horn; Nellie married Geo. Castler ; Matthais married Catherine Fink; Aaron left home at the age of 28 or 29, and was never heard from; John is now deceased; Frederick married Malinda Bartell; and Rebecca became the wife of Harry Libolt. Mr. Barbero's father was born in Connecti- cut and the mother in New York, and his parents were John and Sallie (VanPattent) Barbero. They were of German and Holland extraction.

eorge C. Hudson is a farmer residing on section 12, in Cedar Township. This gen- tleman was born in Oneida County, N. Y., Nov. 8, 1833, and is the son of Isaiah and Fan- nie (Burrell) Hudson, natives of England. His father was born in 1805, in Lincolnshire, England, and died Nov. 7, 1882, in Knox County, where Geo. C. now resides. His mother was born Oct. 24, 1808, and on her birth day, 1832, the mar- riage of herself and husband took place in New York State. She is now a resident of Knoxville. By this happy union there were ten children, viz .: George C., Charles J., Robert, Isaiah W., Samentha, Louise, Mary Ann, Cornelious, Jane and Henry.

The gentleman whose name heads this history, married Miss Angeline Carter, Nov. 21, 1855. This lady was born May 31, 1839. She was the daughter of David and Melinda (Riddle) Carter. They were both natives of Indiana, his birth taking place April 3, 1814, She was born March 7, 1816. Her de- cease taking place Nov. 8, 1839; only - one child, Angeline, is now living. The children born to Mr. Hudson are: Charles M., Feb. 3, 1857 ; George C., Oct. 25, 1858; Robert J., Sept. 21, 1860; Clara J., April 5, 1863; Fannie M., Oct. 8, 1865; Eva, Dec. 8, 1867; Lewis C., April 7, 1870; Lennie A., June 1, 1872; Mary E., Oct. 3, 1874; and Oliver B., Feb. 24, 1879. None of these children are yet mar- ried. Oliver and Lewis are deceased.

Mr. Hudson has 1181/3 acres of good land on sec- tion 12, of this township, where he has erected a fine dwelling, 28 x 28 feet, one and one-half story high. And on the place he has a very suitable barn, 32 × 42 feet. This is substantial in structure and

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well finished inside. There is also a wagon shed 14 × 32 feet.

The wife of this gentleman was born in Hender- son Township, Knox Co., Ill. Mr. H. first came to Illinois with his father in the fall of 1837, and located in Warren County. In 1839 he arrived where he at present resides. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Knoxville, and an Independent in his political views. In 1864 he came to where he now lives and bought the residence which he is at present occupying. Cornelius was a soldier during the late war. The family are pioneers in Knox County, having come here in 1839.

amuel Junk. Conspicuous among the more influential and worthy citizens of Knox County, and characterized for his sterling worth and upright character, is the subject of this brief personal history, the prin- cipal items in whose record are here given. He is a resident of a farm situated on section 18, Rio Township, and is a useful member of society, oc- cupying many of the local offices, among them that of Road Commissioner.

Mr. Junk came to Knox County at the same time that his brother, Thomas, took up his abode there (see sketch of Thomas Junk, of Henderson Town- ship). He had a predilection for agricultural pur- suits and settled in Henderson Township, where he lived until the spring of 1866. Tarrying there for a brief season, he later came to Rio Township, where he took up a farm on section 18, which land he had bought two years previously. Here was begun the improvement and cultivation which has since pro- duced such admirable results. At this time were laid the foundations of his present handsome home. All modern additions have been made; his land has been enriched by tilling, and new and substantial buildings have been erected thereon and this home may be truly called one of the most desirable and at- tractive in the county. Two hundred acres of land in Knox County and 160 in Mercer County are the property of Mr. Junk and are an acquisition of no mean value.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 22

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company Number of Pages: 1130

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130